VDOT Schedules Feb. 17 Public Hearing in Rockbridge County for I-81 Southbound Widening

STAUNTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing in Rockbridge County concerning the proposed widening of Interstate 81 southbound from about mile marker 205 to mile marker 200.

The open-house meeting will take place between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Fairfield Elementary School, 20 Fairfield School Road, Fairfield VA 24435.

Citizens can come in during the meeting hours and discuss the project on a one-on-one basis with VDOT officials and designers. Submit written comments at the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting date to Tracey Bowman, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA  24401-9029. Oral comments can be recorded at the meeting with the assistance of a court reporter.

This project will widen Interstate 81 southbound in Rockbridge County from two lanes to three lanes for nearly 5.3 miles between mile marker 205 (Raphine) and mile marker 200 (Fairfield).

The widening will occur toward the median and will include replacement of the southbound I-81 bridge over Route 710 (Sterrett Road) at exit 200. The existing bridge is two lanes wide and will be widened to three lanes.

In 2023, southbound I-81 had an average daily traffic count of 24,000 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2053 the estimated average daily traffic volume is 31,000 vehicles per day. In 2022, Route 710 had an average daily traffic count of 3,298 vehicles per day. By the design year of 2053, the estimated average daily traffic volume is 3,800 vehicles per day.

The total estimated cost for this project is $116.6 million, including $7.8 million for preliminary engineering, $483,000 for right of way and $108.3 million for construction.

Additional information is on the VDOT project page.

This project is part of the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program (CIP). The nearly $4 billion CIP includes 65 construction projects plus operational improvements along I-81 in Virginia to enhance safety, reduce congestion and unlock the region for further economic growth. Find out more at Improve81.org. The website includes interactive maps, videos and podcasts, and details about upcoming and current projects.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Call 800-367-7623 or use its mobile friendly website.

Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.